1970s Cast of La Rivière, 1938-43, by Aristide Maillol

This sculpture set a new auction record for Maillol, famous for his classically inspired treatments of the female body. A 1970s lead cast of a figure the French artist completed one year before his death, the 87" l. x 65" w. x 50" h. plinth-mounted piece was one of ten works up for sale from the estate of Maillol's longtime muse and model, Dina Vierny. An American buyer snatched it up for $7.2 million, well above the $4.1 million high estimate.

Photo courtesy of Artcurial

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Ten Vintage Vases by Jacques and Dani Ruelland

The stars of this auction were some 150 pieces consigned by fashion designer Raf Simons, who began amassing a trove of ceramics in the early 1990s. Among the lots was this group of glazed-earthenware vessels (est. $9,500-$12,000) by the relatively under-the-radar Ruellands. Said Simons in an interview with Piasa before the sale: "[Their] vases are very romantic and very powerful when together, perhaps because they are the work of a couple." An instant collection, the set went for a cool $19,300.

Photo courtesy of Piasa Rive Gauche

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St. Tropez. La Ville et Les Pins, 1902, by Paul Signac

Sold at Koller Auctions, "Impressionist & Modern Art" (Zurich, December 6, 2013)

After generating considerable presale buzz, this museum-quality canvas by Signac was the evening's top lot. Arriving to the block from a private German collection, the 26" x 32" painting depicts a seaside view of the Pointillist pioneer's adopted city and frequent inspiration. The piece realized $3.6 million, within its estimate of $2.8-3.9 million and in line with recent results for comparable works by the artist.

Photo courtesy of Koller Auctions

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Circa-1805 Empire Candelabra, Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire

Sold at Christie's, "Michael Inchbald: A Legacy of Design" (London, January 22, 2014)

These two candelabra led the offerings from the estate of British decorator Michael Inchbald, who acquired them in 1953. Crafted of patinated bronze and black fossil marble, the six-arm candleholders each feature an Egyptian caryatid–a form frequently employed by Thomire around 1800. The pair ultimately went for $592,000, more than triple their $164,000 high estimate.

Photo courtesy of Christie's

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1984 Chair by Donald Judd

Sold at Sotheby's, "Important 20th Century Design" (New York, December 18, 2013)

Crafted of vertically sawn Douglas fir, this minimalist chair belongs to a limited edition of ten (plus two production proofs) that Judd created in collaboration with furniture manufacturer Cooper/Kato. The rare design aroused a great deal of interest from connoisseurs–especially since the item had remained in the collection of its original buyer for nearly three decades. Bidding surpassed the $60,000 high estimate, culminating in a hammer price of $80,000.